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Compensation after pre-trial detention

After pre-trial detention, some outcomes can allow a request for compensation. An acquittal does not itself transfer money to you. Ask whether the legal conditions apply to your case.

Duration: 1:38

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This video summarises the main points. The full article provides more detail, exceptions and official sources. This information does not replace advice about your case.

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Criminal Law in the Netherlands.

After pre-trial detention, some outcomes can allow a request for compensation. An acquittal does not itself transfer money to you. Ask whether the legal conditions apply to your case.

Discuss the end date of the case immediately. A request under this procedure must be made within three months after the case ends. Ask how that deadline is calculated in your situation.

Gather the detention decisions, release information and the final decision in the case. Check the actual periods involved rather than relying only on a rough recollection.

Discuss standard compensation amounts and any additional actual loss separately. Keep income records, invoices and other evidence. The court assesses the request and may reject all or part of it.

Ask which court should receive the request and what must be included. Legal assistance can help with the basis, calculation and supporting documents. Do not assume a general complaint is the required request.

Keep the submitted request and confirmation of receipt. Read any hearing notice or request for information carefully. Discuss missing evidence promptly so the procedure can continue properly.

Read the full explanation on the Criminal Law in the Netherlands website.

Understand the supporting sources

Sources and supporting information

Here you can find the sources for this page. Open the original publication for the full explanation, conditions and exceptions.

  1. Rechtspraak: procedure and term for compensation after acquittalOpens in a new tabrechtspraak.nlhttps://www.rechtspraak.nl/onderwerpen/schadevergoeding-na-vrijspraak
  2. Rechtspraak: current LOVS agreements and indexation for requests from January 1, 2026Opens in a new tabrechtspraak.nlhttps://www.rechtspraak.nl/voor-advocaten-en-juristen/reglementen-procedures-en-formulieren/strafrecht/orientatiepunten-voor-straftoemeting
  3. LOVS agreements July 2026: standard amounts and calculation of compensation for deprivation of liberty, page 50Opens in a new tabrechtspraak.nlhttps://www.rechtspraak.nl/binaries/_rts_1788272270960/content/assets/uit/lov/ri/lov-ove-orientatiepunten-en-afspraken-lovs.pdf
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